RELATED LINKS

How is Acne treated?

Treatment is aimed at healing current lesions (e.g. pimples and cysts) and preventing new ones from forming. Acne is treated by interfering with the way it develops: reducing oil (sebum) production, drying up existing oil, eliminating bacteria and resuming the normal skin shedding process. Treatment usually depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mild cases can usually be handled with self-care measures and over-the-counter (non-prescription) products. If you have a severe case of acne, you may be referred to a dermatologist (skin specialist) for treatment.

Non-prescription Treatment

• Topical Medications. The most common over-the-counter topical (applied directly to the skin) medications contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, resorcinol and sulphur. These products are available in creams, lotions, gels, soaps and liquid washes. For maximum results they should be used regularly.

• Topical Medications. More severe cases of acne may require stronger topical medications. These medications are available in creams, lotions and gels, and include:
• Benzoyl peroxide. In a higher strength, this is commonly used to help shed skin and control bacterial growth.
• Retinoic acid. This is also used to help shed skin and helps prevent pores from plugging with sebum.
• Azelaic acid. This can help control bacteria. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) in a higher strength. These are used to help shed skin.
• Antibiotics. These are used to control excess bacteria on the skin.
• Oral antibiotics. Antibiotics such as minocycline and tetracycline are commonly used to fight acne bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Isotretinoin. This is a retinoid medication (taken orally) that is used in severe cases of acne that involves deep cysts. It can also help reduce the risk of scarring. It should only be used after other acne medications have been tried and failed to help. A major side effect of using this medication is severe dryness of mucous membranes including the mouth, eyes and skin. Isotretinoin can also cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. For that reason, a reliable method of birth control must be used by all women of child bearing age who take this medication. When using this medication, it is important to follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s directions to prevent adverse reactions.
• Some birth control pills. These can regulate hormones that may cause flare-ups of acne in females.

• Cortisone injections. In severe cases, cortisone may be injected into cysts and abscesses to reduce them. This may be particularly useful in cases where there is a high risk of scarring.
• Ultraviolet light. This can help dry the skin of excess oil.

• Wash gently. Wash your face morning and evening with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Facial scrubs, rubbing too much, and washing too often can irritate the skin and make acne worse.
• Do not squeeze. Picking or squeezing acne lesions can lead to infection and scarring.

MORE LINKS